Pharmacies
pharmacy services
In a farmácia (pharmacy) you will find medicine as well as other health and beauty supplies. Most pharmacists are well-trained professionals. If you have a minor ache or pain, feel free to ask the pharmacist’s advice on what over-the-counter medication you should take and they should be able to help you.
Please keep in mind that there are certain things (even if very basic, like Ibuprofen) that you will not see on the shop shelves in pharmacies because you need to ask the pharmacist for it and they will give it you from behind the counter.
Always make sure to read the information that accompanies your medication - particularly if you have allergies to certain drugs. Pills are often sold in different sizes than in the US and other countries (for example, Ibuprofen pills in Spain are often twice the size so you only take one pill rather than two).
AFTER HOURS & 24-hour pharmacies
On Sundays & after hours, many pharmacies are closed, but each pharmacy takes turns so that there is always one open in every neighborhood around the clock. This is called the "Farmacia de Guardia."
Closed pharmacies will post a sign on their doors showing the closest open pharmacy. There are also several 24 hour pharmacies that never close.
During after hours, you may have to ring a bell in order to be attended by the pharmacist.
For a full map of pharmacies in Barcelona, click here.
REFILLING PRESCRIPTIONS
It is illegal to mail medication to Spain (see more information here), so it is important that you come to Spain with all the medication you need for the duration of your program.
However, if you do end up needing a prescription refilled, you should make an appointment with a doctor and bring your current prescription or a doctor's note, so that they can prescribe you the medication or something similar.